Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 23rd April 2026 Issue no. 1207
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Europe's tissue industry: supporting jobs along with hygiene
As policymakers and industry leaders prepare to gather at Interclean 2026 next week, new insights highlight the significant economic and societal contribution of Europe’s tissue sector - an often overlooked but essential pillar of daily life, hygiene and public health.
The European Tissue Symposium - the leading industry association representing tissue paper producers and national associations across Europe - has carried out a new socioeconomic impact analysis, and has found that the tissue industry:
* Supports more than 421,000 jobs across Europe, with employment extending far beyond manufacturing into retail, logistics, and services
* Generates €19.7 billion in annual revenue, highlighting the sector’s role in Europe’s industrial and economic ecosystem
* Delivers 8.2 million tonnes of essential tissue products each year, supporting hygiene in homes, healthcare environments and public spaces
* Plays a critical role in hygiene standards, particularly in healthcare settings, public facilities and high-traffic environments
At a time when Europe is navigating complex discussions around sustainability, public health and industrial policy, these findings underscore the importance of a balanced, evidence-based approach to hygiene solutions.
“Tissue products are a cornerstone of modern hygiene systems,” notes Carlos Reinoso, director general of the ETS. “As policymakers consider future regulations, it is essential to recognise both the economic contribution of our sector and the critical role tissue plays in protecting public health. Decisions must be grounded in science, lifecycle thinking, and real-world usage.”
The findings contribute to the broader sustainability debate by highlighting the importance of lifecycle thinking, hygiene performance, and practical implementation.
Meet ETS at Interclean 2026…
ETS will be at Interclean 2026, engaging with policymakers, industry stakeholders and the media to discuss the implications of the study for Europe’s regulatory and sustainability landscape. Journalists and attendees are invited to connect with ETS on-site to explore:
* The full socioeconomic impact of the tissue industry
* The role of tissue in maintaining hygiene and public health
* The importance of evidence-based policymaking in sustainability discussions
Founded in 1971 and based in Brussels, the ETS advocates for evidence-based policies that recognise the important role of tissue products in hygiene, health and sustainable development. Its members represent the majority of tissue paper producers in Europe and around 90% of total European tissue production.
9th April 2026